The Los Angeles Chargers caught a serious injury scare in their Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Standout cornerback Donte Jackson went down in the first quarter with an ankle injury and remained sidelined for the duration of the game.
With cornerback Nikko Reed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, losing Jackson would have been a major blow to a secondary that desperately needs its pieces healthy.
Thankfully, it was reported after the game that Jackson was cleared to return. He was likely held out as a result of the Chargers' desire to ensure the health of their starters.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said CB Donte Jackson (ankle) was cleared to go back in today’s game but they held him out.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 5, 2026
Didn’t comment on Jackson’s status moving forward
While there has not been any concrete indication that Jackson will be available for Los Angeles's Wild Card Round matchup against the New England Patriots, it seems like the signs are pointing in that direction.
That could be absolutely pivotal as they prepare to face one of the league's elite passing offenses.
The performance of the Chargers secondary will be absolutely pivotal against the Patriots
Although they have had their ups and downs, the Chargers have yet again established one of the premier passing defenses in the NFL. Including their Week 18 game, they allowed the fifth-fewest total passing yards and the third-fewest passing touchdowns in the league this season.
Their safety rotation of R.J. Mickens, Elijah Molden, and Tony Jefferson has been excellent, and their corners have implemented Jesse Minter's zone heavy scheme impressively.
Jackson has been integral in this success. Through his 17 games with Los Angeles, he has amassed 12 passes defended and four interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he has been the 21st-best cornerback in the NFL this season.
If Jackson were to miss their first-round matchup, Benjamin St-Juste would likely have stepped into his place. While St-Juste has been solid this season, he has played just 37% of the Chargers' defensive snaps.
Against the Patriots, they will need their full rotation of corners to be healthy.
Drake Maye has had an MVP-calibers season, and in the process, the Patriots amassed 4,258 passing yards, leading the league with 7.7 net yards per passing attempt.
While they do not have a true alpha receiver, their corps of Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, and Kayshon Boutte can be as dynamic as almost any other in the NFL.
Any shot that the Chargers have of victory rests in their defense's ability to stifle this aspect of New England's offense. Although the Patriots' shaky pass rush and run defense could provide an advantage on the offensive side of the ball, it will be up to Los Angeles's secondary to keep the game close in the first place.
Having Jackson healthy could be the development that allows them to accomplish this goal.